Paul’s Arrest and Defense

Introduction

The narrative of Acts takes a decisive turn beginning in chapter 21. Up until this point, Paul’s missionary journeys have pushed the Gospel ever outward, establishing churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece. Yet when Paul returns to Jerusalem, the momentum of expansion collides with intensifying opposition. His arrest marks a new phase in Luke’s story: Paul no longer moves freely from city to city, but his chains become the means by which the Gospel reaches Rome.

This section of Acts (21–26) presents Paul under arrest, moving through a series of trials before Jewish and Roman authorities. Theologically, Luke portrays these trials not as setbacks but as opportunities for testimony. Paul’s speeches are among the richest summaries of the Gospel, emphasizing resurrection hope, the fulfillment of Scripture, and his divine commission to the Gentiles. By paralleling Paul’s trials with those of Jesus, Luke underscores the continuity of Christ’s mission through his apostle.

In this chapter, we will explore the context of Paul’s arrest, analyze each of his defenses, reflect on the theological themes of this narrative, and consider its implications for Christian witness today.

Part 1: Setting the Stage – Return to Jerusalem

1. Warnings of Imprisonment

As Paul concluded his third missionary journey, he expressed a deep determination to return to Jerusalem, even though he was repeatedly warned of danger. In Acts 20:22–23, Paul declares:

“I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.”

In Tyre, disciples “through the Spirit” warn him not to go (21:4). In Caesarea, the prophet Agabus dramatizes Paul’s fate by binding his hands and feet with a belt, predicting his capture (21:10–11). Yet Paul responds:

“I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (21:13).

These episodes highlight Paul’s courage, his sense of divine vocation, and the inevitability of suffering in mission.

2. Arrival in Jerusalem

Paul is warmly received by James and the elders (21:17–20). However, concerns arise that Paul teaches Jews abroad to forsake the law. To show his fidelity, Paul agrees to sponsor a vow in the temple. Ironically, this act of goodwill becomes the occasion for his arrest.

Part 2: Paul’s Arrest in the Temple

1. The Charges

While in the temple, Jews from Asia accuse Paul of teaching against the law and the temple and of bringing Gentiles into the holy place (21:28–29). These charges combine theological, cultural, and political elements: undermining Torah, desecrating sacred space, and threatening Jewish identity.

2. The Riot

The crowd seizes Paul, dragging him out of the temple. The uproar escalates into chaos, and Roman troops intervene to prevent his death (21:30–32). Paul is bound with chains, fulfilling Agabus’ prophecy.

3. Permission to Speak

On the steps of the barracks, Paul requests permission to address the crowd. His speech in Acts 22 is the first of several defenses.

Part 3: Paul’s Defenses

1. Defense Before the Jewish Crowd (Acts 22:1–21)

Paul begins by identifying himself as a devout Jew, educated under Gamaliel, zealous for the law, and persecutor of the church. He recounts his conversion on the Damascus road, emphasizing divine revelation and his commission to the Gentiles.

The crowd listens until Paul mentions his mission to Gentiles (22:21), at which point outrage erupts. This highlights the central controversy: the inclusion of Gentiles.

2. Defense Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1–10)

Before the Sanhedrin, Paul declares he has lived in good conscience. When struck, he rebukes the high priest, exposing hypocrisy. Perceiving the assembly’s division, Paul strategically declares: “I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead” (23:6). This divides Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to chaos.

This defense underscores the resurrection as the heart of Christian faith and the source of controversy.

3. Defense Before Felix (Acts 24)

Brought to the Roman governor Felix, Paul responds to charges of being a troublemaker. He asserts that he worships the God of Israel, believes in the Law and Prophets, and holds hope in the resurrection. He stresses his commitment to a clear conscience before God and humanity.

Felix delays judgment, leaving Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping for a bribe (24:26).

4. Defense Before Festus (Acts 25)

Festus succeeds Felix and faces pressure from Jewish leaders. Paul insists on his innocence, appealing to Caesar as his right as a Roman citizen (25:11). This appeal propels him toward Rome.

5. Defense Before Agrippa (Acts 26)

Before King Agrippa, Paul gives his most extended testimony. He recounts his life as a Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, his Damascus road encounter, and his commission to turn Gentiles from darkness to light.

Paul’s climactic appeal: “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do” (26:27). Agrippa responds, “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?” (26:28).

This defense highlights Paul’s dual aim: to proclaim his innocence and to evangelize his hearers.

Part 4: Theological Themes

1. Paul as Imitator of Christ

Luke presents Paul’s trials as parallel to Jesus’ passion: both are arrested in Jerusalem, accused before Jewish leaders, tried before Roman authorities, and declared innocent yet condemned. Paul embodies the pattern of Christ’s suffering, showing discipleship as conformity to the crucified Lord.

2. The Gospel on Trial

The trials reveal Christianity not as rebellion against Rome but as fulfillment of Israel’s hope. Paul repeatedly insists on continuity with the Law and Prophets. By portraying Paul as innocent before Roman officials, Luke presents Christianity as legally defensible.

3. The Role of Testimony

Each defense functions as testimony (martyria), proclaiming the Gospel. Even in chains, Paul is a witness to resurrection hope. His speeches are less about legal defense and more about evangelism.

4. Sovereignty of God

Despite human schemes, God directs events toward Rome. The promise of Acts 1:8 unfolds: Paul will testify before kings and ultimately in the heart of the empire.

Part 5: Implications for Mission and Discipleship

1. Faithful Witness Under Pressure

Paul models how believers can testify with courage in hostile contexts. His defenses remind the church that witness is possible in courts, prisons, and other places of opposition.

2. Apologetics and Evangelism

Paul’s speeches combine defense and proclamation. For modern Christians, apologetics should not merely defend but also invite others to faith.

3. Endurance in Suffering

Paul’s willingness to embrace chains challenges believers to accept suffering as integral to mission.

4. Confidence in God’s Sovereignty

Even when unjustly accused, Paul trusted God’s plan. This calls the church to confidence that God works through trials to advance his mission.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Paper: Acts 22–26

   • Write a 3,500-word analysis of Paul’s defenses. How does Luke use these speeches to convey theological themes?

2. Comparative Study

   • Compare Paul’s trials with Jesus’ trials in Luke’s Gospel. Write a 2,500-word essay highlighting parallels and their significance.

3. Theological Essay: Resurrection as Hope

   • Write a 2,500-word essay on how Paul’s emphasis on resurrection shapes his defense and mission.

4. Role-Play Assignment

   • Students re-enact Paul’s defense before Agrippa, followed by reflection on how testimony and persuasion function in apologetics.

5. Creative Assignment

   • Write a 1,000-word diary entry from the perspective of a Roman soldier guarding Paul. How might his testimony have affected you?

References

Barrett, C. K. (1994). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Acts of the Apostles (Vols. 1–2). T&T Clark.

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of Acts (NICNT). Eerdmans.

Dunn, J. D. G. (1996). The Acts of the Apostles. Epworth.

Gaventa, B. R. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles. Abingdon.

Johnson, L. T. (1992). The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina. Liturgical Press.

Keener, C. S. (2012–2015). Acts: An exegetical commentary (Vols. 1–4). Baker Academic.

Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts (TNTC). IVP.

Parsons, M. C. (2008). Acts. Paideia Commentary. Baker Academic.

Witherington, B. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles: A socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans.

Wright, N. T. (2012). Paul: In fresh perspective. Fortress Press.